OHMCR The Best Costa Rica Travel Guide

The Costa Rican domestic airline, Sansa, has announced that it has invested US$25 million in the acquisition of new aircrafts as well as the improvement of its main terminals.

Sansa, who is part of Taca Airlines, announced that it purchased 12 brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 2008 that will be incorporated to their fleet by 2009.  The airline has received 2 of the aircrafts thus far and is expecting 2 more by December 2008.   The remaining 8 aircrafts will be arriving by 2009 and will bring the total fleet number up to 19 planes.

The new Cessna Grand Caravan has a seating capacity for 12 passengers as well as ergonomic leather seats.  In addition, the airplanes are equipped with Garmin 1000 avionics suite that displays flight instrumentation, navigation, weather, terrain, traffic and engine data via 3 LCD screens.

Sansa also presented its new terminal located in the Juan Santamaria International Airport that has added some upgrades based on a recent customer survey.  The new Sansa Terminal has doubled its size as well as added independent entrances and exits.

LCD screens were added in which passengers can enjoy entertainment and informative shows as well as learn about important flight information.  A coffee shop was also added where travelers can enjoy refreshments and snacks.  The smaller terminals in Puerto Jimenez, Arenal and Coto 47 also received a few upgrades as well.

The airline’s website was also revamped allowing airline officials a more intuitive relationship with its customers.  Travelers will be able to find special flight promotions as well as mileage promotions at the airline’s website.

Fernando Naranjo, president of Taca Costa Rica, mentioned that the improvements and aircraft additions are a clear message to the world of the airline’s commitment to the tourists.  Sansa has reported a 10% increase for the year and expect to maintain their growth rate in 2009.

written by Carolyn Ramer \\ tags: Sansa, sansa airlines, sansa new caravan, sansa new cessna, taca, TACA Airlines

In the recent information gathered from the study named “Beyond Facts: Understanding Latin America”, Costa Rica emerged as the happiest country within the Latin American region.

The study asks citizens of Latin American countries to score their life satisfaction between 1 and 10.  In order to determine each nation’s growth, the Gross National Product (GNP) per capita is averaged from the years 2001 through 2006.

An interesting bit of information exposed by the study shows that not necessarily the countries that have had the most growth of development are among the most satisfied.  Following Costa Rica is Mexico and Venezuela who have also had a low increment in GNP per capita.

Other example of this phenomenon can be seen in the countries of Trinidad & Tobago, Peru and Ecuador who have had important GNP increase per capita, yet its citizens are the least satisfied when compared to countries such as Guatemala and Jamaica whose economy has shown very little change.

There are a couple of exceptions to the rule such as in the case of Panama in which the country’s GNP increase does coincide with its citizens’ level of satisfaction.  On the opposite side, Haiti’s economy is the only one that has decreased in 1.7% and also coincides with its citizens’ dissatisfaction.

The list tuned out as follows:

1. Costa Rica: With a 7.4% overall satisfaction.  GNP increase per capita is 2.8% and is number 7 within the region.
2. Panama: With a 6.8% overall satisfaction.  GNP increase per capita is 3% and is number 5 within the region.
3. Mexico: With a 6.6% overall satisfaction.  GNP increase per capita is 1.2% and is number 19 within the region.
4. Venezuela: With a 6.5% overall satisfaction.  GNP increase per capita is 2% and is number 10 within the region.
5. Belize: With a 6.4% overall satisfaction.  GNP increase per capita is 2.4% and is number 8 within the region.

written by Carolyn Ramer \\ tags: Beyond Facts: Understanding Latin America, costa rica happiest people

A Spanish firm has made public its interest in building what could be the first tallest building in San Jose.  The Javier Aguado & Asociados firm has visited Costa Rica in several occasions in order to carry out feasibility studies for their construction plans.

Probably the project that has captured the nation’s attention is the 42 story building that could stand out within the Sabana area in San Jose’s western part of town.  The structure has been named Condal 42 Sabana Park and will have both residential and commercial areas.

The firm is currently finishing the building’s concept and design while complying with legal paperwork and requirements.  The firm’s main architect, Javier Aguado, has mentioned that their deadline for initiating with the project’s first stage will not be until the year 2010 and its completion in 2012.

When consulted about the feasibility of building a 42 story building in downtown San Jose, both Vladimir Klotchkov and Olman Vargas, head of the Urban Department of the Municipality of San Jose and president of the Engineering and Architects College respectively, mentioned that due to the chosen terrain it can be easily done.

However, both experts mentioned that due to the buildings height, the price per unit would be much higher than the current standard.

The Spanish firm has also mentioned to the local media that the 42 story project isn’t the only one of their minds.  Other future projects include a 28-story business tower named Verdalia Office Center; a 5-building 35-story business center in La Sabana named Five Point Towers and two 27-story buildings in the Central Pacific beach town of Jaco.

As for the Condal 42 Sabana Park project, unit price is estimated to range from US$282,000 to US$1.2 million.

written by Carolyn Ramer \\ tags: Condal 42, Condal 42 Sabana Park, costa rica spanish investment, Javier Aguado & Asociados